While some have taken issue with the methodology of such reports and predictions, there is no doubt that these trends are alarming to say the least.

Are we masters of the animal kingdom (i.e. “the Master Species”) or its stewards?

Should animals have rights or quasi-rights (i.e. the right not to be killed or experimented on?)

These are some of the toughest issues to confront mankind in the 21st century –particularly as our species continues to grow at the astounding number of 150,000 EVERY DAY (now over 7.5 billion).

To feed this staggering number, the business of “factory farming” (industrial scale agriculture or agri-business) has developed causing much environmental destruction (it is also the second largest cause of greenhouse emissions), not to mention cruelty to animals.

This course of action is not sustainable for mankind.

What can we do as individuals? And will our actions matter?

For my small part, I have written a novel (“The Invisible Reich”) (which you can find at www.kennethpazder.com) about what an extraordinary ex-Special Forces soldier could do to change things and I invite you to read it if you like the action/adventure genre and care about animals. My hope is that the book will get readers talking about these very important issues.

What else?

5 Things Anyone Can Do To Make A Difference For Animals

Humans kill over 56,000,000,000 farmed animals every year and we’re experiencing the largest period of species extinction in the last 60 million years. Not scary enough? Scientists now estimate we are losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the normal rate, with literally dozens of species going extinct every day. It’s daunting to think that as one person we can make a difference, but that’s where the change starts. Here are a few baby steps you can make in 2019 to slow down the damage:

ONE: Give “meatless Monday” a whirl. You will be pleasantly surprised that you will NOT have to check into the E.R. on Tuesday for symptoms of protein deficiency!

TWO: Cows get a really rough ride from the dairy industry. Experiment with non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, oat or coconut milk. Scrambled eggs from mung beans are worth a shot (the product is called “Just Egg” from Hampton Creek)!

THREE: Paint your face responsibly! Female fashionistas who are still kids at heart can opt for vegan, cruelty free make-up from CRAYOLA (yeah, the iconic crayon company) which has teamed up with British cosmetic giant, ASOS.

FOUR: If you don’t want to demonstrate in the street yourself, send a few bucks to Sea Shepherd Society, Mercy for Animals or PETA (where fully 85% of your donation goes directly to animal welfare programs). Volunteers at these charitable organizations advocate tirelessly for animals and sea creatures year in and year out!